As air pollution levels are nearing 'severe plus category' in Delhi NCR, the Supreme Court will today hear the pending matter of extension of odd-even rationing scheme at times when the Delhiites struggle hard amid hazardous breathing conditions. The apex court had earlier mandated anti-pollution authority EPCA that they should be closed as pollution in the region hovered close to 'emergency' levels.

While a final decision on the matter remains pending, schools in Noida, Ghaziabad and Delhi have been shut for two days. People are not only finding it difficult to breathe but also "irritation and burning sensation in eyes" has become a common problem.

On Thursday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) docked at 472 with particulate matter (PM) 2.5 levels at 322 and PM 10 levels at 487 at 8:30 in the morning, said System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).

An AQI between 201 and 300 is considered 'poor', 301-400 'very poor' and 401-500 'severe'. An AQI above 500 falls in the 'severe plus' category.

Children and infants are more susceptible than adults to air pollution as they still developing and their respiratory tracks are more permeable.
According to the UNICEF study, 2016, 'Clean the air for children', around 300 million children around the world currently live in areas where the air is toxic - exceeding international limits by at least six times.

(With ANI inputs)